A few years ago both leagues entered into an agreement not to poach players that are under contract. The Radulov situation is what sent it over the edge. That's why the players like Ovechkin can cry all they want, but if they want to play hockey after the lockout, their only choice will be to play in the NHL as, if the KHL allows them top continue playing there once the NHL re-starts, the IIHF can take action against the Russian hockey federation for violating this international agreement and, potentially, bar the Russian national team from participating in International Competitions they sponsor, such as the Olympics.